Hi Reader,

I hope you've had a great weekend 😊

The leaves have fallen, the weather has definitely turned (not a winter lover over here) and as we approach the new year and new decade, this time of year is often a time of reflection and looking ahead. As you do so, this edition of #MaketheMostofMonday is here to keep that reflection as positive as can be by providing you with some stories to keep you motivated, inspired and hopefully make you smile!

So, without further ado, here is your small burst and weekly roundup of positive news to start your week as you mean to go on, ready to kick the world’s butt:

* Meet 4Uprogress, a 100% care leavers led movement – 4U progress is an organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent. Consisting of a ‘team of enthusiastic and organised young people, who have a passion for delivering excellent results in the community, motivating and empowering others to make positive life choices’. Their founder Bernardo Pezo recently filmed a short piece for the BBC introducing some of his team and explaining why they do what they do, watch it here.

* Yorkey Dads, dads coming together to bond with their daughters, learn to do their hair, and creating a safe and open space for dads to open up to each other – Yorkey Dads has been highlighted in the news recently for their hair school, where dads can learn to plait, braid and comb their daughter’s hair. In doing this, dads are bonding with daughters and also bonding with other dads in a positive space. Not only do they learn how to do hair on the last Sunday of every month, but they also run a breakfast club on the first and second Saturday of every month and a Lego club on the last Saturday. Their mission is just about creating a safe, engaging and supportive environment for dads, grandads, male carers and dads-to-be. Watch this video to hear stories from dads explaining why they enjoy the hair club so much.

* The Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland (CYPS) has announced today that the Scottish government is heeding calls to protect children from unlawful restraint and seclusions in schools – Following nine years of campaigning (as explained by Beth Morrison), collecting data and case studies from 430 Scottish families, a judicial review and collaboration between the CYPS and Equality and Human Rights Commissioner for Scotland, the Scottish government has finally listened which will provide protection for Scotland’s most vulnerable children. The Scottish government has agreed to produce human rights-based guidance including involving young people and their families and introduce a dataset. This is great inspiration for those of us who have campaigned for the same to happen in England and look forward to seeing Westminster following suit – positive affirmations guys! 

* A beautiful article explaining what home means to different children – A home doesn’t look the same for every child in England and it’s not always what you see on TV. The Big Issue North has embraced this concept and compiled a list of heart-warming accounts from children explaining what home means to them including notions of safety, love and family. We at Children England think each child's home should have these qualities plus more, which is why we're campaigning for a ChildFair State.

That’s it from me, I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of #makethemostofmonday. If you did, please share it using the hashtag above! If you feel you’re doing something super positive that should be included in next week's edition, drop us a line at [email protected]. I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and this has inspired you to not only keep going until Friday, but to give it your best possible shot 😊